Berlin, Germany (MuseWire) – Native Instruments today released KONTAKT 3.5, a major free update for its leading software sampler. The new version fully utilizes the capabilities of today’s computer systems to overcome existing performance barriers, and includes many improvements that make KONTAKT even more powerful and convenient.

At the heart of KONTAKT 3.5 is a new high-performance sample engine with unrivaled capabilities for sophisticated orchestral scoring and similar complex projects that are a mainstay of professional KONTAKT users. KONTAKT 3.5 is fully compatible with Windows Vista 64, and takes advantage of 64-bit memory addressing to utilize practically unlimited amounts of RAM. On the Mac, KONTAKT 3.5 introduces the new “Kontakt Memory Server” which can make use of up to 32 GByte RAM on OS X 10.4 and beyond.

KONTAKT 3.5 also uses a new “zero-memory” DFD technology for highly efficient disc streaming with a strongly reduced memory footprint, and true multiprocessor support now enables additional performance benefits on modern multi-core and multiprocessor setups.

To better accommodate its unparalleled arsenal of third-party instrument content, the new KONTAKT version displays all installed libraries and KONTAKT PLAYER instruments in a virtual rack, giving producers improved overview for even the most extensive sound collections.

Native Instruments is a leading manufacturer of software and hardware for computer-based music production and performance. The company’s mission is to develop innovative, fully integrated solutions for all professions, styles and genres. The resulting products regularly push technological boundaries and open up new creative horizons for professionals and amateurs alike.

Christopher Simmons has been a working journalist since his first magazine sale in 1984. He has since written for wide variety of print and online publications covering lifestyle, tech and entertainment. He is an award-winning author, designer, photographer, and musician. He is a member of ASCAP and PRSA. He is the founder and CEO of Neotrope®, based in Torrance, CA, USA.

MuseWire™ – the Synth Magazine covers music makers, synthesizers, electronic music gear, the music industry and related topics – a publication of Neotrope® – formerly Music Industry Newswire. Est 2004. Edited by Christopher Laird Simmons, a working tech journalist since 1984, and member ASCAP.